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GREENFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – People told 22News they plan to give gift cards because they’re convenient and less of a headache. “I don’t think there’s a fascination. I think there’s evidently a fascination with convenience.”

A new Nation Retail Federation survey found that Americans will spend more money on gift cards this year than they have in previous years. The survey says the average person buying gift cards will spend about $173, up $10 from last year. In total, spending on gift cards is expected to reach about 32-billion-dollars, making gift cards the “go-to” present.

Erin Steele of Greenfield said, “Why do you think gift givers prefer to give gift cards? Um, it’s much easier than buying gifts in general. You don’t have to think that hard for it.” Not only is it easier, 62% of people said they’d prefer receiving a gift card, making gift cards the most requested gift item 8 years in a row.

The survey also asked participants why they plan on buying gift cards. About 52% said because it’s easier and it allows shoppers to buy exactly what they want.

“They can get what they want, there are no returns, there’s no unhappiness…” Melanie Maratea of Greenfield said gifting plastic loaded with money just makes life easier. “My grandkids just moved to Florida so, it’s easier than sending a bunch a gifts in the mail, so gift cards would be way easier.”

Gift cards are small and compact, proving the old saying that good things come in small packages. When buying a gift card, you should make sure you trust the company, read any fine print and keep the receipt just in case you need it later on.